The neighboring countries of Kenya and Ethiopia have dominated the IAAF World Cross Country Championships over the past decade, and the most recent edition in Spain was no exception. Kenya captured gold medals in both the men’s and women’s junior races, and won another gold when Vivian Cheruiyot won the women’s senior race, contested over eight kilometers.  Ethiopia won gold in the men’s 12-kilometer senior race, with Imana Merga hitting the tape first.  Check out my video coverage of the victories by Imana Merga and Vivian Cheruiyot:

Taking a look at the final medal tally in Spain, of the 12 medals at stake, Kenya won seven, Ethiopia three, Uganda one and the USA one. And here’s a Sonny Side of Sports salute for American distance runner Shalane Flanagan, who won a bronze medal in the women’s senior race. Flanagan was the first non-African born medalist in the event since 2004.